Gulf of Alaska Trawl Bycatch Management

The Council received staff reports on three documents: a summary of the public comment scoping process that was conducted over the summer, a preliminary draft Social Impact Assessment, and a preliminary draft Regulatory Impact Review. After reviewing the staff reports and considering public testimony, the Council voted to postpone further action on this issue indefinitely.

The Council indicated its intent to consider other management options that could address GOA trawl vessel operators’ and processors’ concerns about their ability to minimize bycatch while executing the fishery in a viable manner.